Fact: The Gospel of Mark 15:21 says he was the father of Alexander and Rufus, many believe the gospel of Mark to be written originally to the church at Rome, John Mark a close associate of the Apostle Peter and a companion of the Apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, better known as Mark wrote the Gospel with the intent to draw his readers to the Cross of Jesus. Evidence shows the Gospel to be penned between 65 and 70 A.D. in 64 A.D. emperor Nero accused Christians of setting Rome on fire and instigates a harsh and fearful persecution in which Peter and Paul perish and countless others fall only to be lifted with the good news of the Gospel of Mark.

c) Also acts 11:20 shows men of Cyprus and Cyrene left at the time of Stephens death and preached Jesus in Antioch

d) Could these be the same men?

Fact: Paul saluted Rufus in Rome, Mark penned his gospel for the Roman church under persecution to be lifted up, Barnabas was called to Antioch to see the work of the men of Cyprus and Cyrene, then later brought Paul back to Antioch where they stayed a whole year teaching and preaching. Rufus, Alexander maybe even Simon himself could’ve been there spreading the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

How did we get from the crucifixion to here?

Body: Matthew, Mark, Luke

1: These three speak of Simon the Cyrenian

a) man who carried the cross for Jesus

b) each Gospel has a little different account

c) Mark speaks of his sons

d) Matthew just says a man of Cyrene they compelled

e) Luke shows Jesus going out and Simon coming in and tells of the manner of the task and a discourse between Jesus and the weeping women.

Point: Each gives an angle to be explored, each states that Simon was compelled to take up the cross. Compelled- pressed into service, they forced him. The Romans couldn’t take because it would intrude upon Jewish ritual, no Jew would take because it would defile them before Passover. A man chosen out of the crowd.

2: Is there real significance

a) I think so

b) Scripture shows evidence that Simon must have converted

c) He went home and told his family and they believed

Point: How can one make an accusation like that? Look at Luke’s account, Simon carried the cross behind Jesus and he only took it up after Jesus had exited the city he did not carry the cross the whole time. Beaten, exhausted physically bloodied and soiled in dirt, spit and vile hateful words flying at him, Jesus collapses and Simon is forced to carry the cross, V28 he speaks a word of prophecy and prayer to the women.